The world is appalled at the terrible atrocities carried out in the name of religion. in the light of the murder of fellow Scot David Haine the Muslim council of Scotland has issued the following statement which the followers of all religions would want to endorse. It is important not to allow extremism elsewhere to affect good interfaith relations here in Scotland.

SCOTLAND'S MUSLIM COMMUNITY CONDEMN BARBARIC MURDER OF DAVID HAINES

Scotland's Muslim communities from across the country have united to unequivocally condemn the barbaric murder of David Haines.Muslim communities from Perth, where David Haines grew up and the Muslim community of Dundee where Mr Haines family live have, in particular, added their voices of condemnation to the brutal murder of Mr Haines.Dr Javed Gill Convener of Muslim Council of Scotland said:"As Scottish Muslims we are united in our condemnation of the murder of fellow Scot, David Haines. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Mr Haines.

"David went overseas as an aid worker to help the people of that region. That extremists chose to murder him only shows once again the depravity of their warped ideology. They have killed so many innocent people in the region, and they perform such murders only to draw attention to their cause of destruction."These extremists in Iraq and Syria claim to be acting in the name of Islam. But there is nothing in our faith that condones such behaviour. Muslims in Scotland and around the world have condemned these people, and the arguments they use have been refuted comprehensively as being far from the religion of Islam.

We once again offer our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the family of David Haines and stand with all communities in condemnation of these barbaric actions"Bashir Chohan, President of Dundee Islamic Society at the Central Mosque said:"The Muslim community of Dundee is horrified at the mindless and barbaric killing of David Haines by extremist forces operating in Iraq & Syria.

"We express our heartfelt condolences and offer our prayers for David's family who are a part of the Dundee community. We grieve with them at this difficult time.

"Our Islamic faith teaches us that taking one innocent life is tantamount to killing the whole of humanity. These twisted actions are completely contrary to the teachings of Islam and we condemn them without hesitation and in the strongest possible manner.

"If the Dundee Muslim community can offer any assistance to the Haines family then we are at their disposal."Dr Anas Naasan, founding trustee of Perth Islamic Society commented:"The Muslims of Perth are united in grief with the local community at the horrendous murder of David Haines.

"David was a humanitarian who went to the region to help some of the pooorest and most vulnerable. His murder shows the complete lack of morality and conscience of his killers.

"The Muslim community of Perth condemns in the strongest possible manner the killing of David Haines and we reiterate that this has nothing to do with Islam, these actions are contrary to our peaceful religion."This Message is endorsed by:Muslim Council of ScotlandDundee Central MosquePerth Islamic SocietyGlasgow Central MosqueIslamic Society of Britain